Physical Therapists: Schools and Careers

About Physical Therapists

Physical therapists provide treatments to those who have been involved in accidents, who have experienced trauma or have disabling or chronic conditions. These treatments are designed to relieve or alleviate pain, strengthen muscles, improve range of motion or restore and improve function and mobility. Conditions that are addressed by physical therapists vary widely but can include arthritis, lower back pain, fractures, head injuries, or stroke recovery.

Physical therapists start by fully reviewing a patient's medical history. They discuss this history with the patient to get a complete understanding of the problem area and the goals sought by the patient and/or their doctor. The therapist then performs a physical examination of the patient that can include testing range of motion, strength, muscle tone, balance and coordination and motor function. Once these tests have been completed the physical therapist has the information necessary to develop a treatment plan for the patient.

Most often the treatment plan consists of exercises that the patient will perform under supervision at the physical therapy location and then later at home. These exercises seek to improve range of motion, mobility, strength and endurance. Treatments also may include deep tissue massage, hot or cold pack therapies, or electrical stimulation. Physical therapists assist patients in learning how to use assistive devices such as crutches, wheelchairs, and prosthetics. As the treatment proceeds, the therapist continually monitors and records patient progress and will periodically perform a reevaluation of the patients condition. Treatment plans are updated or modified as the patient progresses.

Job Characteristics

The physical therapist career involves constant interaction with both patients and other personnel within the treatment facility. As such, the therapist should have a strong desire to help people as well as have very strong interpersonal skills. Moreover, it is important to be detailed oriented to be able to accurately and effectively create, execute and monitor a treatment plan for patients. Other skills that are important are complex problem solving, critical thinking, deductive reasoning, strong written and oral communication skills, active listening and the ability to provide clear instruction.

Physical therapists most often work in hospitals, clinics, acute care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, orthopedic settings or in physical therapist offices. It is also possible to treat patients in their homes, offices, or hospital rooms. Due to the nature of helping patients, this job requires a fair amount of strength to assist patients to and from treatment areas, on and off of equipment or massage tables, assisting them with exercise regimens, or lifting treatment equipment. Physical therapists spend a great deal of time on their feet as well as kneeling, stooping, bending, lifting and crouching.

On average physical therapists work a 40 hour work week. To accommodate patient schedules many therapists work some nights and weekends and approximately 20% work part time. A survey by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago found that physical therapists ranked highest in job satisfaction. Of the physical therapists surveyed more than three quarters reported being "very satisfied" with their occupation.

Physical Therapist Schools and Licensing

Physical therapists must have a minimum of a master's degree to practice in their field and many obtain doctorates. A survey by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) found that 13.5 percent of their member respondents have a doctorate degree. There were approximately 209 accredited educational facilities in 2007 where candidates could study to become a physical therapist. Undergraduate courses in mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry, anatomy and social services provide a strong base from which to begin a physical therapy program. Coursework often starts with courses such as biology, chemistry and physics and will work into more in-depth subjects such as human growth and development, biomechanics, and neuroanatomy. Clinical work is a must and many programs require volunteer work in a physical therapy environment prior to being accepted into a program.

Physical therapists must be licensed to practice. This entails passing state and national examinations as well as graduating from an accredited physical therapy program with a master's degree.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for physical therapists is positive. Currently the rate of growth from 2006-2016 is forecast to be 27%. This is a faster than average growth rate across occupations. This growth is projected based on a number of factors. First, the elderly population is growing and will continue to do so as baby boomers age and are more likely to experience ailments that require physical therapy. Moreover, as technology advances and better medical treatments become available, more trauma patients will survive increasing the need for physical therapy services. In addition, as new physical therapy treatments emerge and expand the demand for physical therapists will expand as well. However, federal limits on physical therapy Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements in the short term may adversely affect the job prospects though the long term prospects remain high.

The median wage for physical therapists in 2007 was $69,760. The average wage range for 2006 was between $55,000 and $78,000. Those in the top 10 percent earned approximately $94,810 while those in the lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,510. Those industries employing the highest number of therapists included:

• Home health care services
• Nursing care facilities
• General medical and surgical hospitals
• Offices of physicians
• Offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists and audiologists

Job Advancement

Physical therapists can advance their careers by continuing their education to obtain a doctorate or by taking courses to stay abreast of the latest trends in the field. Many states actually require therapists to pursue continuing education in order to maintain their licensure. They can also specialize in a specific therapeutic area such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or sports therapy developing a greater level of expertise in that specialty.

Job Tools

• Cognitive or dexterity or perceptual or sensory evaluation or testing products
• Patient care beds or accessories for specialty care
• Pivotal traction therapy supplies
• Therapeutic heating or cooling pads or compresses or packs
• Reflex hammers or mallets
• Work tables or stations or accessories for rehabilitation or therapy

Job Technologies

• Calendar and scheduling software
• Medical software
• Spreadsheet software
• Word processing software
• Project management software

Additional Sources of Information

• The American Physical Therapy Association
• A World of Physical Therapy
• Schools for Physical Therapists are listed in the column to the left.

  The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Physical Therapists by major metro area.

  The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Physical Therapists, along with salary data by industry.

  The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.